Canon Student Development Programme 2024 opens for applications this month

Throughout its eight-year history, the programme has supported over 1,000 emerging photojournalists, connecting young talents from across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa with some of the most influential names in the field.

• Up to 100 students will receive mentorship from industry experts working for renowned news agencies and publications, as well as from Canon ambassadors.

• The top 25 students will be invited to participate in a four-day workshop in Girona, including a visit to Visa pour l'Image, where they can establish new connections with professionals and peers.

• Applications for the program will be accepted from February 12th to March 7th for students from across Europe, the Middle East, and Africaⁱ.

Canon Europe announces the launch of the recruitment campaign for the eighth edition of the Canon Student Development Programme (CSDP) – a prestigious annual programme aimed at supporting emerging photojournalists in their professional development. Canon's leading initiative offers access to mentorship from experienced professionals within the photographic community and the opportunity to attend key events in the field of photography.

CSDP has established itself as an invaluable springboard for the next generation of photojournalists. Many former alumni of the programme have gone on to work for renowned news agencies and internationally recognized publications, building successful careers. The 2022 program alumnus Mohammed Mahdy (born 1996), whose work focuses on the hidden and often invisible communities in Egypt, won the World Press Photo 2023 major award in the "Open Format" category. Alexandra Korkod (born 2000), also an alumna of the program, won the Tom Stoddart Award for Excellence in 2023 for her insightful portrayal of loneliness and isolation among the elderly generation in her native Romania. Finalists from the 2023 program, Ebrahim Alipour and Fatma Fahmy, were selected to participate in the VII Academy's 2024 mentorship program.

The 2024 program is open for applications to students and internsⁱ residing and studying in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, with applications being accepted from February 12th to March 7th. A limited number of places will also be available for talents approved by photography professionals. Applications will be evaluated by a jury of editors from Getty Images, Reuters Pictures, AFP, and EPA, who will select an initial group of participants from among the most promising young talents in the region.

Individual Mentoring

Each selected student will be able to partner with a program mentor to discuss their current work and long-term career aspirations in dedicated one-on-one sessions. Virtual reviews over the summer will help them refine their new creative ideas and current portfolio – with a special focus on various editing possibilities and ways to further enhance storytelling skills and develop a unique authorial style.

Canon Ambassador and photojournalist Brent Stirton says: "This is a unique program for meeting and interacting with curators, editors, and photographers – a solid investment in the future of photography. Statistics show that only a small percentage of photography students survive in the profession long-term, and I know that for those selected, this is a very important step. I grew up in South Africa, where I had no connection to the world's best editors and photographers, nor did I have access to first-class equipment."

Workshop in Girona and Visa pour l'Image in Perpignan, France

In September, up to 25 students will be invited to a four-day Canon workshop at a large Catalan farm in Girona, Spain, concluding with a visit to the international photojournalism festival Visa pour l’Image in Perpignan, France.

The workshop will offer an informal forum for exchanging ideas and networking with renowned figures from the world of photography. Group portfolio reviews provide rich learning opportunities for students and a chance to evaluate the work of their peers as well as receive professional feedback on their own skills.

In addition to exploring major exhibitions and evening screenings during Visa pour l’Image, students will have the opportunity to participate in additional portfolio reviews and further expand their network.

To apply for the Canon Student Development Programme 2024 or to familiarize yourself with the eligibility criteria, please visit: https://www.canon.bg/get-involved/student-development-programme/

i For full terms and conditions, please visit: https://www.canon.bg/get-involved/student-development-programme/terms-and-conditions/